"How much do you think plastic surgery would cost?" She asked, morosely. Her eyes focused on the book balanced across her knees.
"Tens of thousands." Tristan said, waving a dismissive hand. He tilted his head, regarding the pinched expression that drew her mouth into a pucker. "Why would you ever wish to destroy your unique beauty?"
"Unique?" She snorted and tossed the book down, narrowly missing a candle.
"I am not unique Tristan," she stood up. "If I was, you and your people wouldn't have kidnapped me."
"I prefer to think of it as an induction into our organization," he said, smiling.
"Being bound, gagged and tossed in a trunk against my will, and not being able to leave this place," she waved a hand to the admittedly gorgeous bedroom, "feels plot like kidnapping."
"I'd like to reiterate that you are free to roam the mansion and it's grounds." His eyes darted towards the rack of dresses. "I would like you to join the festivities tonight."
"So you can show off your new acquisition?" She crossed her arms.
"Don't be like that, Elena," he said, picking up the books. He placed it in her hands; a jolt traveled up his arm on contact. "We are going to be of mutual benefit to each other."
Elena's heart beat faster when he looked her over slowly.
"What exactly does our mutually beneficial relationship look like?" She clenched the book and dropped her arms.
"The Strix rewards loyalty with loyalty Elena," he smirked.
He lifted her wrist and lightly traced the thin blue veins with his thumb. "In exchange for your services I will protect you from anyone who would do you harm."
"You can't protect me from everyone," she shook her head.
"I am nearly as old as the Originals - physically I am older than Rebekah - and I have vast resources. There is no need to hide your exquisite features with plastic surgery."
"Because your witches will be less invasive?" She cocked an eyebrow.
Tristan chuckled. and caught her chin with a finger.
"Pick a dress for the masquerade Elena." He spun to leave, but paused in the open door. "And don't worry. I'll speak to Aya about the trunk incident; it will never happen again."